Call 800-462-2848, Every day 6am-6pm,PST

Watch Videos

Biking, Hiking & Sea Kayaking Washington's Islands of Adventure

While swapping tales around the campfire, you might feel compelled to confide to your fellow travelers, "I wasn't sure I was the camping type, but this is one of the best vacations I've had." No surprise - you're camping with Backroads in the spectacular San Juans. Where Cascade peaks and the Olympic Range provide the perfect backdrop for exhilarating rides and hikes. Where bald eagles, sea otters and whales make frequent appearances. And where majestic forests, glittering waterways, stunning sunsets and star-studded skies are all part of the usual routine. Deluxe camping with Backroads? Don't say we didn't warn you - it's habit-forming!

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Read the Straight Talk

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Tents & Sleeping Essentials

Our spacious dome tents easily accommodate two adults and their gear. Sleeping bag, sleep sheet and an extra-thick inflatable sleeping pad are all provided to make sleeping on the ground more comfortable. Backroads does not supply pillows, so please bring your own. No lighting is provided in your tent, so a small flashlight is essential.

Restroom Facilities

Restroom facilities are available at each campground. The restroom floors can be wet, so be sure to bring flip-flops! We also recommend bringing a hanging toiletry bag since space is limited and surfaces are wet. Be advised that outlets and mirrors are few. Backroads does not supply towels, so please be sure to pack your own.

Attire

Comfortable, casual attire and footwear is strongly recommended - leave those heels or imported Italian leather loafers at home! Also be sure to bring along a few warm layers for the cooler evenings.

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Tents & Sleeping Essentials

Our spacious dome tents easily accommodate two adults and their gear. Sleeping bag, sleep sheet and an extra-thick inflatable sleeping pad are all provided to make sleeping on the ground more comfortable. Backroads does not supply pillows, so please bring your own. No lighting is provided in your tent, so a small flashlight is essential.

Restroom Facilities

Restroom facilities are available at each campground. The restroom floors can be wet, so be sure to bring flip-flops! We also recommend bringing a hanging toiletry bag since space is limited and surfaces are wet. Be advised that outlets and mirrors are few. Backroads does not supply towels, so please be sure to pack your own.

Attire

Comfortable, casual attire and footwear is strongly recommended - leave those heels or imported Italian leather loafers at home! Also be sure to bring along a few warm layers for the cooler evenings.

Itinerary

Day
1Enjoy a bald eagle's-eye view from atop Mount Constitution - you can spot the San Juan archipelago, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker and the Olympic Range Ferry to Orcas Island for a fantastic day of hiking around Moran State Park, a nature-lover's paradise of 5,000 wooded acres Feel like cooling off? There's nothing more refreshing than a brisk plunge into Cascade Lake.

Days
2-3Keep your eyes on the water for the chance to spot orcas and humpbacks on Haro Strait, the "Whale Highway" After a morning hike to the sound, board a chartered vessel for a wildlife-watching cruise to Lopez Island Picturesque rural terrain (wild blackberries anyone?) lines the route to our scenic campground Pedal to Shark Reef and witness the fast-moving current between Lopez and San Juan Islands Enjoy a bit of gallery-hopping in friendly Lopez Village.

Day
4An array of activities showcasing the best of the islands - San Juan Island is next on our list After dropping anchor at Friday Harbor, hike up Young Hill for breathtaking views of the sound Then head out for a spin on San Juan Island's tranquil roads.

Days
5-6Paddle a kayak on peaceful inlets and vast kelp beds, spotting harbor seals, otters and bald eagles Pedal on roller-coaster terrain to Friday Harbor, where you can check out the exhibits at the Whale Museum before our final ferry ride.

Lakedale Campground

Guest Reviews About This Trip

Overall I was on a six-week adventure, with Backroads being one week. It was probably the best week. As far as activity, guides, and environment . . . Backroads was the best. I can not get over how much fun I had, how perfect it was for me (ability to be part of a group or solo, go in or out, and level of challenge) Backroads will definitely be a part of my vacation planning, on a continuous level. The thing is, I have been on adventure for the past five weeks, and Backroads just jumps to the front of my brain when I remember what a great time I had!

Sue Ann Foulis- Lahaina, HI

Amazing! I had a fantastic trip, particularly since it was my first active adventure vacation. While I appreciated the variety of fitness levels this trip catered to, it really inspired me to push myself farther than I ever have. My biggest dilemma now is trying to decide which trip to go on next!

Dede Spicher- Tualatin, OR

The trip was so much better than I could have ever imagined. I have never experienced camping quite like this before. The food was fabulous, accommodations were great, and the activities contained fun-filled adventures every day.

This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3

Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Daily Route Options

Day

Activity

EASYGOING

ACTIVE

AVID

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

1

Walking/Hiking

2*

300

5

2100

2

Biking

4

100

Biking

16

400

Biking

19

600

Walking/Hiking

2

0

Other

Wildlife-Watching Cruise to Lopez Island (3 Hours)

3

Biking

11*

200

23

700

Biking

18*

600

26

700

4

Biking

5

0

Biking

9

200

Walking/Hiking

2*

600

5

Biking

11*

100

26

700

31

800

Biking

16*

500

Kayaking

On the Haro Strait (3 Hours)

6

Biking

6

0

Biking

14

100

note:

* Includes a shuttle

Private Trips Options & Pricing

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.

All Private Camping trips require a minimum of 16 guests. Call us for date availability.